Latest Updates On Canada Immigration -July’2021

Key Highlights:

• Overview

• Update on Proof of Funds

• Update on Application Period

• Updates on Express Entry Draws

The Express Entry system is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada. It is an applicant management system for the three federal immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, 
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program and 
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Update on Proof of Funds

The IRCC has announced a new update affecting the proof of funds required for immigration through the Express Entry system. Under Express Entry, the changes would affect applicants applying under the FSW and FST programs. 

However, these changes will not apply to candidates who already have a valid employment offer from a Canadian employer when applying for immigration. Here is a table showing the new proof of funds required:

Update on Application Period

The immigration candidates applying through Express Entry under any of the programs will once again have only 60 days from receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to submit the application.

In March of 2020, after the rise of Covid-19, the IRCC had extended this time period to 90 days to allow candidates more time to prepare their applications. 

At that time, the pandemic had spread worldwide, causing flight cancellations and service disruptions.

Update on Express Entry Draws

Since the start of 2021, the IRCC has been holding immigration draws for the Canadian Experience Class program and PNP candidates, alternatively inviting a total of 89,342 candidates. 

The largest number of invitations were issued on the historic draw of February 13 when the IRCC issued 27,332 ITAs. Accord to an IRCC email, over 80% of those invited that day applied for PR before the 90-day deadline.

The IRCC has also increased the number of PNP candidates invited. The largest PNP-only draw invited 1,002 candidates on June 23. 

Here is a table depicting the latest PNP draws held:

* SWO - Skilled Worker Overseas